Alienation and Marginalisation - A Case Study of the Social Experiences of Men in the LifeHouse Program Ottawa Ontario

This case study was developed using a qualitative approach in order to explore experiences of alienation and marginalisation of men with substance misuse issues. The subject group involved men in a residen­tial treatment centre in Ottawa Ontario. A structural social work approach was used in the analysis of the data. The findings are used to suggest that the participants perceived alienation and margi­nalisation as being central to the development of addiction. Partici­pants also perceived the role of specific government operated systems and bureaucracies as exacerbating the feelings of alienation and marginalisation. Participants also discussed their view that they were being exploited by current government management of addictive products and services.